Reconstruction Update
My profolatic mastectomy and reconstriction were done on the 21st February and to say I was a little nervous as I was wheeled in is an understatement. But I knew I was in good hands and I trusted my medical team.
The surgery took 11 hours which was longer than expected . I was taken to ICU after surgery and this was the worst 24hours in my life, I woke with a machine breathing for me and it could not be removed until all my bloods came back with normal readings, once this happened I had the machine turned off but I had to breathe on my own for 2 hours before the tube was taken from my mouth I found this a difficult time as it is so unnatural to have tubes down your throat while breathing and I could not talk. The Nurses looking after me were wonderful and constantly assured me I would be ok. The pain was at it worst in this 24hours I honestly felt like someone had beat me with a cricket bat.
The day after surgery my Dr was so happy with my progress he had me moved to the ward this was 2 days earlier than expected. The staff in the ward were wonderful and looked after me so well. Pain relief was given via a PCA for 4 days and then 4th hourly after that. Physiotherapy started on day 2 and taking those first few walks up the hall were difficult but each day it became easier.
So for those who dont know, when you have this kind of surgery you have to wear pressure garments for 6 weeks and only remove them for showering once a day and only after the drains have been removed its a sponge till then and there is not much to clean as your covered from your chest to your knees . I had 4 drains, 2 in the chest and 2 in the pubic area I also had a catheter and PICC line in the arm. Unfortunately for me the drains were not removed till day 11 and you guessed it that means I had no shower or hair wash for 11 days, the better I felt the more I wanted a shower. The pressure suite is very tight and now I am home I need my husbant to assist me with putting it back on, my tip is have one side zipped up and then thread it up the other leg and over your bottom then lay on the bed and have someone else zip the other side.
Today is day13 I am sore, swollen and badly bruised but I am home resting. I have some endone for pain but have only had 1 tablet in the last 3 days. I am excited to see my new boobies once all the swelling goes down and I believe this can take some 6 weeks. I also now have a very flat tummy which is an added bonus.
My Dr's have been a God send, I had my surgery in a private hospital, they came to see me daily the nurses were amazing.And the only out of pocket expense was my fund gap of $250 and $400 for the anaethatist. My plastic surgeon and Breast Dr had no gap and I appreciate everything they did for me.
Thank you all for your messages of support. Kathryne
